Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier
illustrated by Anne Lambelet
The remarkable story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who fought in the American Revolution disguised as a man.
Deborah Sampson didn’t like being told what to do, especially by the King of England. Fiercely independent, 18-year-old Deborah enlists as Robert Shurtliff in George Washington’s Continental Army to fight for her country’s independence. But being a soldier is hard, dangerous work. Can she fight for her country and keep her identity a secret? Can she find her true strength and purpose? This unbelievable story from American history about a woman with a rebel spirit will inspire and enlighten young readers.
Student Persuasive Writing Activity: Deborah Sampson ‘Forever Stamp’ Campaign (student template as Word doc)
Activities from TeachingBooks.net
Hardcover | $18.99
Published by Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers
Nov 15, 2022 | 48 Pages| 7-10 years | ISBN 9781635926101
Available at booksellers everywhere! Amazon • Barnes & Noble • IndieBound• Bookshop.org • Books a Million
For signed copies of my books, visit Old Firehouse Books HERE.
Honors: 
- Junior Library Guild Selection
- Children’s Book Council HOT OFF THE PRESS pick for November 2022
- 2023 Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year
- Kansas National Education Association Reading Circle Commission Recommended Title
Keystone State Literacy Association 2023-2024 Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award finalist- Museum of the American Revolution Summer Reading List: 2023 Young Readers Edition
Reviews:
“Portraying Deborah Sampson as someone whose ‘spirit was always a little too large’…Anderson follows her independent-minded subject from youthful chores in which she discovered ‘pieces of herself’ to life as a ‘masterless woman’….An admiring…feminist character study.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Born in Massachusetts before the American Revolution, Deborah Sampson had an independent streak…In the book’s informative back matter, the author discusses primary and secondary sources…The illustrations, pencil drawings with painted textures and digitally added colors, have a lively, rather quirky look that suits both the topic and the period.” —Booklist
“VERDICT This biography of a lesser-known American hero and look into the process of researching historical sources is an essential purchase across several age ranges.” —School Library Journal
Blog Articles and Interviews:
CLOAKED IN COURAGE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR IN CONVERSATION hosted by Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins, CO. Beth Anderson and illustrator Anne Lambelet discuss each other’s process. Catch the recording HERE
Common Core Literature Connections for Grades 3-6 Plus Q&A at Carolee Dean Books
Kathy Temean’s Writing and Illustrating blog – The book journey of CLOAKED IN COURAGE
Melissa Stoller’s 3-Question Interview on Stories, Creativity, & Connection
Author’s dive into setting: Mining for Heart: Setting as a Window into Character
Maria Marshall’s blog The Picture Book Buzz: interview and review
Back Matter: A Chance to Be More than a Story on GROG Blog
6 Question Interview on Process with Mary Boone
Sandy Brehl’s Unpacking the POWER of Picture Books blog: REVIEW and a dig deep INTERVIEW
Alayne Kay Christian’s blog – Writing Wisdom: Digging Deep to Uncover Deborah Sampson
Dynamic Book Duos: Women’s History Month (with teacher activities) from Suzanne Lipshaw’s blog
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 